Sunday, July 12, 2009

Kootenay/Alberta Road Trip, Rossland & Trail, B.C., Canada

Here are some pictures as we enter Rossland and Trail on our trip through the Kootenays. We stopped for gas as we entered town but didn't make any other stops in Rossland. We had our sights set on spending the night in Nelson, BC so we passed right thru town.

Downtown Rossland, B.C., Canada

Rossland, B.C. has a permanent population of 3653 but that number must go up considerably in the winter months when they have the world known Red Mountain Ski Hill. Rossland is where Nancy Greene grew up and this is the ski hill that she made famous, when she was winning gold medals at the Olympics during the 60's.
There is a park named in Nancy's honor as well as a lake with camping facilities on it, not far up Hwy 3B from Rossland. You'll find more info at: http://www.env.gov.bc.ca/bcparks/explore/parkpgs/nancy/
Rossland also offers summer activities such as hiking & mountain biking as well as many others for the visitors coming for the beautiful scenery, trails and alpine lakes.
The city of Rossland was booming in 1897 as a mining town with the first major claim on Red Mountain. Cominco smelter in Trail is still a major employer of residents of Rossland.

Cominco smelter in Trail, B.C.

The original smelter was built in 1895 and later grew to be the largest lead-zinc smelter in the world. This does dominate the cityscape but I found the scenery around town to be so much nicer than it was many years ago. More green showing, it is a much prettier city than it was in the 60's, likely due to the changes in the way the smelter works.

The town of Trail Creek was imcorporated as a city in 1901 and is now Trail, known as the Home of the Champions, recognizing those from the area who have excelled in sports, education, art and industry. The city of Trail is steeped in history and has beautiful churches and buildings downtown.


Columbia River

Trail has a population of 7237 and is nestled in the Selkirk and Monashee Mountain Ranges. The Columbia River is a beautiful view from most locations in town, especially from the small park overlooking the river right downtown for all to enjoy. We were able to watch a duck family on the waters edge below this view.
On our way here, we stopped at a Rock Creek rest area, check that if you haven't already.
Follow us into Salmo, B.C. to see the rock murals:

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